(CNN) - His insight guided both of President Bush's successful White House bids, but aides to John McCain might just be hoping Karl Rove stops talking.

Days after the prominent Republican strategist said the latest McCain campaign ads had "gone too far" and failed the "100 percent truth test," Rove told the Associated Press Wednesday he thinks the choice of Sarah Palin was a political one and that the excitement she has generated will soon wear off.

"Nothing lasts for 60-some-odd days," he told the Associated Press. "Will she be the center of attention in the remaining 48 days? No, but she came on in a very powerful way and has given a sense of urgency to the McCain campaign that's pretty remarkable."

Rove also described the choice of Palin as a "political pick," and said she was not the most qualified Republican McCain could have chosen. But Rove also said Joe Biden, who has spent three decades in the Senate, was also a political pick - designed to make up for Barack Obama's relatively short resume.

"I think the American people have deep and persistent doubts about the readiness of this dynamic and charismatic first-term senator from Illinois," said Rove.

Rove's comments also come days after he wrote a column in the Wall Street Journal advising Barack Obama to stop attacking Palin directly, noting past attempts by Democratic presidential nominees to attack the No. 2 on the GOP ticket have largely fell flat.

Rove also told the AP Obama is an "arrogant dilettante," but continued to offer the Illinois senator advice on how to win the election: "The way that Obama can win is by explaining, expounding on who he is."

Mcsame decision for VP (second top postion) in fifteen minutes interview. ( he is too old to run this country with a mess)

Do we still need another scandal to scrap republican Govt?

Think twice to vote for republican otherwise suffer for next four years.

I think we did not learn a lesson so far?...... In recent weeks, John McCain has shown that he is willing to go into the gutter to win this election. His campaign has become nothing but a series of smears, lies, and cynical attempts to distract from the issues that matter to the American people,

This Mcsame will take us to bridge to nowhere….

September 18, 2008 12:35 pm at 12:35 pm |

Bill

McCain will be the only maverick running with the experience to change DC.

September 18, 2008 12:35 pm at 12:35 pm |

white independant for Obama

Maybe Rove wants one of those "bi-partisan" positions when Obama gets elected ???? or NOT to be criminally indicted ??? I smell a big RAT...

September 18, 2008 12:35 pm at 12:35 pm |

TC

Ron:

I alwasy thought those two clowns were separated at birth.

September 18, 2008 12:35 pm at 12:35 pm |

judy, Wisconsin

I saw this jerk on Faux News yesterday, outraged that Palen's e-mails were hacked. This coming from a guy who outed a CIA agent, thumbs his nose at checks and balances(Congress), a known liar, travels to Georgia twice doing who knows what. Let's hope we won't have to see the dough boy after Nov. 4.

September 18, 2008 12:35 pm at 12:35 pm |

Joe Regis

Rove, who is now sorry they did not pick somebody with knowledge to tackle the current economics and foreign issues that are so critical to the American people today?

I think Mitt would have been a better pick.

Obama/Biden 08/12.

September 18, 2008 12:35 pm at 12:35 pm |

Rove should be in prison, not talking to the press!

That man is a big part of the reason why Bush's approval rating is in the toilet.

He is a liar, crook and a traitor to everything ethical.

He should be rotting in prison.

September 18, 2008 12:35 pm at 12:35 pm |

jfs Memhis, Tn

I hate to say that I agree with this guy...........but I can see his point. The Republicans CANNOT allow Palin to overshadow the number one spot. McCain could be President, not Palin, thank goodness. I think the media needs to stop all the hipe. I mean, really, one of CNN's top stories was PALIN RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS IN MICHIGAN OOWN HALL MEETING. Isn't that what candidates are supposed to do???? How is that a top story. I think that CNN is getting a little nuts about this person , given the events in the Economy this week... how's about doing a simplified EASY to understand story detailing each sides economic platforms, or each sides Social Security initiatives, etc. You know ...some of the basics from jounalism 101 ????

September 18, 2008 12:35 pm at 12:35 pm |

John from PIttsburgh

Talk about carpetbagger,...he's just looking for his next gig. He's a very intelligent guy but he carries alot og baggage

September 18, 2008 12:35 pm at 12:35 pm |

Get Real

Who cares.. we all know the truth and the truth is John and Sarah are simply...

Mr. & Mrs John Mcfailin

September 18, 2008 12:35 pm at 12:35 pm |

danel

Instead of answering questions from the town hall yesterday. Palin skirted the questions going around and around the rosie without the desired answer. I was left bewildered, did I miss anything? Where's the beef?

September 18, 2008 12:35 pm at 12:35 pm |

Michelle in Philly

Wow I am just amazed how clueless people really are, I understand partisanship but you people are ridiculous.

When has any news media outlet who sat with Obama to interview him ever asked him any tough questions? You are getting your information from a biased source and you have all their talking points.

Do a little research and you will find the truth and not the lies or the information that is being witheld from the american public.

McCain/Palin 08

September 18, 2008 12:36 pm at 12:36 pm |

ncharge

Everytime she opens her mouth the polls go down. This is not the same women that gave what the "Media" called excellent. I can't even believe they wrote some of that stuff without checking the facts. I think if at least one thing she had done was true...maybe America would have cut her some slack. She is a disgrace to the true intelligent women of the US. This is truly shameless!

Please keep her from speaking...she doesn't think fast enough.... The questions that where fielded for the audience yesterday and she responded like a 8th grader.

Shame on the McCain Camp for not vetted this clown. This is not "Let's Make a Deal"

September 18, 2008 12:36 pm at 12:36 pm |

tedious898

McCain is a JOKE!

September 18, 2008 12:36 pm at 12:36 pm |

American

Of course, when people find out this bimbo is an empty headed beauty queen. She is no where as intelligent as Hillary Clinton.

September 18, 2008 12:36 pm at 12:36 pm |

Rick S

aww poor porky, no one listens to him anyone. Check out Sarah's unfavorable ratings- now higher than her favorables.

September 18, 2008 12:36 pm at 12:36 pm |

Vegas Barbie for Obama

For once I think he is right! The dew is already off of THAT rose!
OBAMA/BIDEN '08 & '12 YES WE CAN!!!

September 18, 2008 12:36 pm at 12:36 pm |

Tired of W, OH

CNN, why are giving this idiot a forum for spreading his message of lies and deceit???

September 18, 2008 12:36 pm at 12:36 pm |

Matt

Said the therapist to voting rights, "show us on the dolly where Mr. Rove touched you."

September 18, 2008 12:36 pm at 12:36 pm |

M.Serafin

wow Karl, you leaving the dark side ??

But you are right, the more we see her, the more we will distance ourself from her..

September 18, 2008 12:36 pm at 12:36 pm |

MD for Obama

Obama doesn't need to go after Palin. She will do herself in.

September 18, 2008 12:36 pm at 12:36 pm |

Jill- IN

All I know is that I do have deep persistent concerns about McCain and Palin. I am very concerned. It does wake me up at night.

September 18, 2008 12:36 pm at 12:36 pm |

JimS.

Rove is just buttering the other side of his bread, hoping there's a future for him doing political advisement on the Democratic side. Or it's a fake-out. Either way, he's evil and has done enough damage to the US and the world. As Heidi Klume would say "Rove, you are out!"